Fall is definitely in full swing here in southeast South Dakota - and that meant another seasonal series of Scripture Memory Challenges for the young ladies in our area!! Instead of choosing a book of the Bible to collectively memorize this time, a poll was given to the group participating in our Summer challenge to discern the area of most interest. Modesty was the topic thatcame out on top for both the preteens and the teens & up groups, so 20 applicable verses on this subject were selected as a challenge for each girl to memorize by this week!

As daughters of the King of Kings, we have a very important calling - not only to represent Christ in our works and words, but in our appearance! It has been a true delight for me these past couple days (Thursday for preteens and Friday for teens & up) to see our Lord honored as His Word was being memorized, recited, and then applied to our lives.

To begin our morning, we met at a beautiful park with hiking trails, water falls, and beautiful scenery. Jewel and I had previously been to "Devil's Gulch" to take get familiar with the area, and then take pictures of 20 things in preparation for this challenge.

The ladies were divided into 2 groups - each with 10 items to find before the other team found their 10 items.

As soon as their list was completed, the winning team was rewarded, and the recitation began! Each thing - whether it was a certain kind of flower, a task to perform, or a specific place to find - represented one of the versesfrom the 20 they were to have previously memorized, which they then quoted as we sat overlooking the water below.

Afterwards, we listened to portions of Sarah Malley's supplement CD, Daughters of the King (set 8 from the Bright Lights material - available here if you're interested) from which we heard inspiring testimonies, insights, and practical applications on this topic of modesty.

Lucas selected some very encouraging quotes from young men expressing their appreciation for a high standard in this area that our group read during the discussion time.

Would you like to lay up in YOUR heart these passages of Scripture?

Although some of these may not seem to be specifically on "modesty" they do address the root issues many girls deal with, such as fear of man, love of the world, honoring parents, and standing alone.

I Timothy 2:9-10In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

I John 2:15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in Him.

Luke 16:15And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Proverbs 31:30Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

II Chronicles 16:9a For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

I Thessalonians 4:4-6That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

Proverbs 21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Exodus 20:12Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

I Peter 3:3-5Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjections unto their own husbands:

Romans 8:5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

II Corinthians 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Romans 12:1-2I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I Corinthians 10:31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,do all to the glory of God.